Design and Features:
- The Sorina bass is known for its Hofner-inspired violin-shaped body, giving it a unique and distinctive appearance.
- It typically has a semi-hollow body constructed with maple and spruce, contributing to its warm and resonant tone.
- The bass features two single-coil pickups, a master volume control, a tone control, and a three-way pickup selector switch.
- It has a set neck design, with a mahogany or maple neck and a rosewood or ebony fingerboard.
Sound:
- The Sorina bass is renowned for its mellow, vintage tone, characterized by a punchy and well-defined low end, making it suitable for various genres of music.
- The single-coil pickups provide a clear and articulate sound with a distinct mid-range presence.
Variations:
- There are different variations of the Sorina bass, including the Sorina II, III, IV, and V models, each with slight variations in design and hardware configurations.
- Some Sorina basses may have additional features such as a built-in mute or a vibrato tailpiece.
Legacy and Popularity:
- The Sorina bass gained popularity during the 1960s British Invasion, when it was used by several notable bassists, including Paul McCartney of The Beatles and Andy Fraser of Free.
- It is considered a classic vintage bass, sought after by collectors and musicians for its unique sound and aesthetics.
Current Availability:
- Original Sorina basses from the 1960s and 1970s are often found in the used market and are considered valuable among vintage instrument enthusiasts.
- EKO has reissued the Sorina bass in recent years, offering new models inspired by the original design but with modern features and hardware.
Overall, the Sorina bass is a vintage classic known for its warm, mellow tone, distinctive appearance, and association with iconic musicians of the past. While original Sorina basses may be more difficult to find, the reissued models provide an opportunity for modern musicians to experience the unique sound and aesthetic of this historic bass guitar.